(Smiths Falls) – Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) teacher Victoria Currie has been selected by Queen’s University as a recipient of the 2013 Baillie Award for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. She has also been selected as the recipient of the second Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI) Genomics Equipment Grant.

Currie, a biology, chemistry and math teacher, was nominated for the Queen’s award because of her positive influence on former SFDCI student Madison Healy throughout her high school experience.

OGI selected Currie’s application with the benefit of an advisory panel composed of community genomics and science education specialists.

Currie will receive an award from Queen’s, and a financial award from OGI of $3,000 to cover the cost, or assist with the purchase of new genomics lab equipment, as well as $1,000 to cover the costs of consumables.

“This year has been a very emotional and exciting year,” says Currie. “I am overwhelmed and deeply honoured to have been nominated by Madison and selected for the Queen’s Baillie Award. It’s easy to forget and take for granted what influence you have on students on a daily basis – especially when teaching them alone is award enough.

“As for the OGI grant, to be chosen out of all the applicants in Ontario – wow!” she adds. “What an exciting opportunity for our science department. I have an extensive background in toxicogenomics and genomics lab work, and have wanted so much to have the students experience working with the equipment. This is huge!”

Currie says that she loves coming to work each day in a fantastic, dynamic school.

“I am fortunate to be a part of a science department that is very energetic, and is always thriving to excel and engage our students,” she says. “I want to thank our principal Mr. Cooke because he was instrumental with our OGI grant success among other successes in our school.”